10 Tips for Preventing Stormwater Pollution

Last week on Dirty Jobs, Mike Rowe helped clean storm drains, which made me a bit sick to watch, I guess that’s why they call it “Dirty Jobs”. It made me think about how important it is that we put our trash in the proper place and keep our drains free of pollution as much as we can. Below are 10 tips to preventing stormwater pollution. We don’t want this pollution going to our rivers and streams, harming fish and wildlife along the way. Did you know that a single cigarette butt can take 25 years to break down? So please don’t litter, it doesn’t take much to look for a trash can and dispose of trash properly.

Never dump anything down storm drains or into streams and report anyone who does.

Replant bare spots in your yard and preserve streamside vegetation.

Direct rooftop downspouts away from paved surfaces.

Take your car to a car wash or wash it on an unpaved area.

Check your car for leaks and recycle your motor oil and antifreeze.

Pick up your pet waste; it can carry harmful bacteria and parasites.

Have your septic tank pumped and system inspected regularly.

Choose low-maintenance, native plants that require fewer chemicals and less watering and sweep up debris from driveways and sidewalks.